Frequently Asked Questions.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an eastern form of medicine. The insertion of the needles produces natural chemicals in the body called endorphins, which help decrease your perception of pain. The overall goal of acupuncture is to reduce pain while increasing blood flow and stimulating muscles and nerves throughout the body. In a nutshell, acupuncture reduces pain and aids healing.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a very safe procedure when carried out by fully qualified professionals. Your AACP physiotherapist is qualified to deliver this therapy and has undergone a recognised accredited training course in acupuncture. This in addition to his three year study as a physiotherapist and at least one year clinical practice.

Acupuncture needles are the same width as human hair, are much smaller than an injection needle, so having acupuncture does not feel the same as having an injection.

how does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and oxytocin, its own pain- and stress- relieving chemicals. It promotes sleep by stimulating the release of melatonin in the body and encourages a sense of well-being by stimulating the release of serotonin. Acupuncture also stimulates nerve fibres to block out pain signals and helps to reduce the sensitivity of tender points in the body.

How many sessions will i have

The overall number of treatment sessions required will depend on you, your condition and your physiotherapist’s assessment. Most patients receive a course of 6 treatments. Sometimes 1 or 2 ‘top up’ treatments are required. Treatments are normally given at 1-2 weekly intervals. It is generally clear after a few sessions whether or not acupuncture will benefit you and if the treatment should be continued.

What will happen when i see my physiotherapist for acupuncture?

It is a good idea to make sure you have something to eat 1-2 hours before your treatment. This will help reduce the risk of you feeling faint during your session by keeping your sugar levels up.

When you first see your physiotherapist, he or she will take your full medical history and ask you about your current health problems. You may be asked to complete a ‘consent to treatment’ form.

Between 1 to 10 needles may be used at a time at an acupuncture session. The number of needles used will vary according to your condition and symptoms.

The needles are inserted through the skin either at the sites where you feel pain, away from the pain or a combination of both. The needles are usually left in for a few minutes up to 30 minutes. During the treatment, your physiotherapist may stimulate the needles by gently rotating them. This is done to increase the treatment’s effectiveness.

The needles are removed at the end of the session. You will then be asked to rest for a few minutes before you leave.

are there any side affects?

Any side effects tend to be mild and short-lived. They may include: fatigue, light headedness, bruising, localised bleeding or soreness or redness or mottling of the skin around the needle sites. If you continue to feel tired after a treatment, it is recommended that you do not drive or operate machinery.

If you have or are concerned about any possible side effects, please speak to your physiotherapist.

How long until i see an improvement in my condition?

The effects of acupuncture treatments are cumulative: different people respond in different ways and at different rates. Some people may feel an immediate relief of their symptoms whilst others may only see a gradual improvement after a few treatments. Some people may find that their condition/symptoms flare up for up to 24 hours after the treatment but then see a marked improvement.